Category: Television

  • Sportel Monaco 2024: back with a bang

    Sportel Monaco 2024: back with a bang

    MUMBAI: Less than a fortnight from now,  sports media and tech executives from all over the world will be flying into Nice, France to get to the lovely principality of Monaco. The occasion: Sportel, Monaco, which is being held from 28-30 October 2024 in the famed Grimaldi Forum.

    They will spend the three days will be spent  hobnobbing, networking, exchanging ideas and doing deals as Sportel hosts industry leaders for three days of conferences, and exhibitions centred around the most important market floor for sports media.

    Sportel Monaco is expected to attract influential industry players, such as the legendary Laliga president, Javier Tebas and for the first time following the broadcast success of Paris 2024, OBS CEO  and OCS  executive director Yiannis Exarchos, Alibaba group director & president J. Michael Evans, among many more, to discuss the key trends and innovations shaping the future of sports media. A rich programme of expert masterclasses and case study presentations, plus a new sports and generative AI workshop in collaboration with SVG, will complement the business activities and meetings throughout the three-day event. 

    “I am committed to upholding the high standards of excellence that have always defined our event. This year is already shaping up to be a great success, with the exhibition space nearly sold out and the addition of a new conference innovation stage to accommodate an even richer programme,” said Sportel Monaco executive director Loris Menoni.”More new features are coming before the event begins, including an inspiring women’s Lunch, to shape the world of business and beyond. I am excited to welcome our community back to Monaco for what promises to be an exceptional event.”  

    According to data on the Sportel Monaco website, more than 1,501 participants globally have registered to participate in this year’s edition. Additionally, for the very first time, Indiantelevision.com has partnered with the sports confab and is going to be attending the event.

    Amongst the Indian companies in attendance figure: Citadel Advisory group (Rahul Johri), Quidich (Gaurav Mehta, Jaskaran Singh Bakshi), Rajasthan Royals Sports group (Jake LushMccrum), Spectatr (Richa Singh, Manjush Mangal, Rijul Dutta & Shifa Garg),  MultiTV Tech Solutions (Sandeep Bansal, Varun Mathur, Puneet Kumar & Vikas Somata), FanCode (Mandela Kiran) and Indian Television Dot Com’s India Spark, represented by CEO Khalid Khan.

    And they are all ready for some sporting action – off the pitch, of course.

  • Asianet News Digital honoured at YouTube’s Diamond Creator Award

    Asianet News Digital honoured at YouTube’s Diamond Creator Award

    Mumbai: Asianet News Digital (AN Digital), a brand owned by Asianxt Digital Technologies (formerly known as Asianet News Media and Entertainment Pvt. Ltd.) has surpassed 10 million subscribers on its Malayalam language channel. It is also the first Malayalam News channel to achieve this milestone

    This achievement cements AN Digital’s leadership in reaching audiences with culturally relevant video content. Achieving this subscriber milestone marks a notable accomplishment in the digital news industry, especially among Indian-language news platform creators.

    Speaking on the accomplishment, COO Samanth Sharma commented “We are thrilled to receive the Diamond Creator Award from YouTube, which is a testament to our dedication to providing credible and impactful news in Malayalam. This achievement reflects the hard work of our teams and the trust our audiences have placed in us. Asianet News Digital will continue to innovate and expand our digital video presence to serve audiences across all our languages better.”

    Highlighting the brand’s growth, CEO Neeraj Kohli said, “I am immensely proud of our team for reaching this incredible milestone. This recognition is a reflection of our collective efforts and passion for storytelling. We look forward to reaching even greater heights and continuing to be a trusted voice for our audiences.”

  • Reliance-Disney Star India merger to see closure within a couple of months

    Reliance-Disney Star India merger to see closure within a couple of months

    Mumbai: Reliance Industries Limited (RIL) is on track to finalise its merger with Disney’s India operations by the third quarter of FY25  – a move anticipated to significantly bolster its media presence. (Q3 FY 2025 ends on 31 December 2024, which means the merger has got just about two months, if not earlier, to achieve closure). This announcement follows RIL’s  Q2 FY 2025  financial results, showcasing a resilient performance across its diversified business segments.

    On 28 September, the ministry of information & broadcasting (MIB) granted approval to RIL for the transfer of channels from Viacom18 to Disney Star India, paving the way for the $8.5 billion merger with Disney. The merger of Viacom18 and Star India has already been given the green signal from the Competition Commission of India (CCI- subject to certain voluntary conditions), and the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has also given it the thumbs up. “The companies are now securing additional required approvals, with the transaction expected to close in Q3 FY25,”  Reliance Industries announced in its quarterly earnings report on 14 October 2024.

    In a statement, Reliance chairman & managing director, Mukesh D. Ambani expressed optimism about the merger’s potential impact: “This merger will create a powerful platform for delivering exceptional content and experiences to our customers.” He highlighted the strategic alignment between Reliance’s digital services and Disney’s rich content library as a catalyst for growth.

    “Viacom18’s integration with Disney’s assets is expected to create a formidable entertainment platform, offering a diversified content library and reaching millions of viewers across the country,” a company spokesperson stated. “The strategic alignment of media assets will enhance our ability to deliver premium content and attract more subscribers.”

     

  • Bigg Boss Kannada season 11 launches with record-breaking 9.9 TVR

    Bigg Boss Kannada season 11 launches with record-breaking 9.9 TVR

    Mumbai: Bigg Boss Kannada season 11 kicks off its exhilarating journey by achieving an all-time high of 9.9 TVR on its opening day. Produced by Endemol Shine India, this season’s success resonates across weekdays and weekends, captivating viewers at all times with its engaging content. Titled ‘Hosa Adhyaya’ (New Beginning), this season introduces the innovative ‘Hell and Heaven’ concept, showcasing contestants from diverse backgrounds and thrilling tasks that redefine the show’s evolution.

    In a groundbreaking twist, a few contestants were revealed during the ‘Raja Rani Reloaded’ finale, inviting viewers to vote on which contestants would enter ‘Hell’ or ‘Heaven.’ This interactive approach not only enhances viewer engagement but also fosters a sense of involvement right from the start.

    As the constant element in the show’s dynamic, Kiccha Sudeep continues to bring his charismatic leadership and wisdom, adapting his style to suit the housemates. During the promo reveal, he promised viewers that this season marks the beginning of a new decade for Bigg Boss Kannada, a sentiment reflected in the impressive viewership and market share.

    Viacom18, cluster head – Colors Marathi, Colors Kannada, and Colors Tamil, Sushma Rajesh stated, “Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11 has set a new benchmark for entertainment, achieving record-breaking viewership with an impressive 9.9 TVR. This achievement showcases the power of innovative content, from the unique ‘Hell and Heaven’ concept to the audience-driven narrative that fosters deeper engagement from the very beginning. Kiccha Sudeep’s steadfast presence continues to enhance the show’s dynamics, and the remarkable audience response reinforces our commitment to differentiated storytelling. This milestone further strengthens Colors Kannada’s position as a market leader and exemplifies our strategic vision to elevate regional content and deliver transformative viewer experiences.”

    During the launch week of Bigg Boss season 11, Colors Kannada achieved an impressive market share of 38 per cent, becoming the number one Kannada General Entertainment Channel (GEC) in Week 40. The season also welcomes a record number of 23 brand partners, achieving an opening revenue that is 22 per cent higher compared to last season, marking a grand start across multiple metrics.

    Viacom18, head – revenue, regional networks, Bikash Kundu commented, “Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11 has achieved a remarkable milestone by starting the season with 21 sponsors. We’ve brought together an array of brand partners from various categories, ranging from consumer goods and technology to lifestyle and financial services, creating a unique and integrated platform for them to engage with our audience. Our first-ever partnership with a cutting-edge elevator brand marks a significant first for the show, in fact, across languages. As Colors Kannada secures its position as the leading GEC, we are proud to offer unparalleled opportunities for brands to connect with viewers across both TV and digital platforms and thank our partners for their constant support.”

    Eco Planet Elevators and Escalators Pvt Ltd, managing director, H Raju Gowda expressed, “We are delighted to partner with Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11, and are excited to introduce our state-of-the-art elevator in the Bigg Boss house. This will be a first for the show and we look forward to the response from audiences and consumers. Our focus on innovative design, advanced technology, and uncompromising safety standards has positioned us as a trusted partner for a platform like Bigg Boss. We are confident that this integration will not only enhance the overall experience for viewers but also highlight the pivotal role that quality and modernization play in shaping everyday living spaces.”

    Banijay Asia and Endemol Shine India, founder and group CEO, Deepak Dhar added, “We’re thrilled to witness the extraordinary response to Bigg Boss Kannada Season 11, setting new benchmarks with its grand opening. This season’s innovative ‘Hell and Heaven’ concept along with the dynamic contestants has truly captivated the audience, showcasing our ongoing commitment to bringing fresh and engaging content to the viewers. Sudeep Kiccha’s exceptional performance year after year has been pivotal in Bigg Boss Kannada’s enduring success. His unique ability to connect with the audience and housemates alike has set the show apart, and Season 11 is no exception. Additionally, our long-standing association with Viacom18 has been integral in consistently delivering such landmark shows.”

  • Nippon TV licenses Old Enough! to Mongolia’s Brickmedia

    Nippon TV licenses Old Enough! to Mongolia’s Brickmedia

    Tokyo: Nippon TV has licensed the Mongolian rights to its hit unscripted format Old Enough! to Brickmedia. The first Mongolian version of the format was produced based on Nippon TV’s format bible and is set to stream 20 episodes this fall on SeeRooTV, Mongolia’s first kids-only streaming platform.

    Old Enough! captures the refreshing wonder, amazement, and charm of little children going on “big adventures” – running errands on their own for the very first time. The children are filled with a sense of determination and noble purpose. A cultural phenomenon in Japan, Old Enough! has been a prime time hit for over 30 years and is a proven ratings powerhouse across all demographics, drawing audiences anywhere it is globally produced. Old Enough! can be adapted in many alternative ways to meet the various production and cultural standards of the producing country. In all cases, the producers meticulously gather research from parents and parental organisations, and parents decide the appropriate challenge for each child. When the child hits the streets, it is always under the watchful eye of hidden cameras and the show’s safety team. Educators, parents’ groups, and parents have hailed the show for its charming portrayal of the parent-child bond.

    The announcement was made jointly by Nippon TV format sales Raku Iizuka and Brickmedia CEO Ariunaa Gansukh.

    “We fell in love with Old Enough! at Mipcom 2022. We started by airing Nippon TV’s finished version which quickly became a cultural sensation in Mongolia,” commented Gansukh. “Producing our own version has been both exciting and challenging, as it’s not common for young children here to go out alone. However, this adaptation highlights the resilience and independence of Mongolian children as they navigate environments that can be unsafe. We’re thrilled to bring this local version, produced with Nippon TV’s expert guidance, to our audience this fall.”

    “Old Enough! is a wonderful show that reaffirms the bond between parents and children by capturing the heartwarming moments of children taking on their very first challenges,” commented Iizuka. “It is a great honor to be involved in the production of the local Mongolian version with Brickmedia, and I am confident that this adaptation, tailored to the local culture, will create new and touching moments. I look forward to seeing how the core values of the show resonate with families across borders.”

  • NDTV World Summit 2024 unveils line-up of visionaries

    NDTV World Summit 2024 unveils line-up of visionaries

    Mumbai: NDTV has announced the NDTV World Summit 2024 – ‘The India Century,’ a landmark event scheduled for 21-22 October 2024. The summit will convene an exceptional gathering of global leaders, thinkers and disruptors to address pivotal issues shaping the future, with a strong emphasis on India’s expanding global impact. The prime minister of India, Narendra Modi, will deliver an inaugural address on the theme ‘The India Century,’ highlighting India’s remarkable transformation on the world stage.

    Continuing NDTV’s legacy of pioneering media, we will also launch NDTV World at the summit, with the tagline: “Seeing the World from Where India Stands.” NDTV World aims to be a leading voice from Asia and India on the global stage.

    In addition to PM Modi’s inaugural address, the NDTV World Summit 2024 will feature a line-up of global thought leaders and visionaries, creating a powerful platform for impactful dialogue with Tshering Tobgay, Prime minister of Bhutan, Dr S. Jaishankar, India’s minister for external affairs, Sunil Bharti Mittal, founder and chairperson, Bharti Enterprises, and Nobel Laureate and Economist Professor Paul Michael Romer.

    The line-up will also feature Kishore Mahbubani, Former president of the united nations security council and Lindy Cameron, UK High Commissioner. Amplifying the star power, proud winners from the 77th Cannes film festival, Anasuya Sengupta, Chidananda S Naik and Mansi Maheswari will be in attendance alongside renowned Influencer and YouTuber Nas Daily.

    Start-up disruptors will take centre stage with significant names like serial entrepreneur Kunal Bahl,  Zepto co-founder  Aadit Palicha, Groww co-founder Lalit Keshre.

    Attendees will also experience an enriching cultural performance by the legendary Sarod maestro Amjad Ali Khan, along with his sons Amaan and Ayaan Ali Bangesh, blending India’s artistic legacy with modern interpretations. Singer extraordinaire Shilpa Rao will sing some of her most popular songs, bringing the audience to its feet.

    The NDTV World Summit 2024 promises to be a landmark event, engaging a diverse audience from across the globe, and setting the stage for India’s continued leadership in shaping a more sustainable, equitable, and inclusive future. NDTV is committed to pioneering a platform for rich dialogue, reflecting India’s voice and vision in the evolving global order.

  • Giriraj Singh rules out restoring Article 370 in J&K on Aap Ki Adalat

    Giriraj Singh rules out restoring Article 370 in J&K on Aap Ki Adalat

    Mumbai: With the National Conference returning to power after assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, union minister Giriraj Singh has ruled out restoration of Article 370 in the Constitution which was abrogated on 5 August 2019 by Parliament.

    The union minister, known for his hardliner Hindutva stance, told Rajat Sharma in the ‘Aap Ki Adalat’ show, telecasted at 10 pm on India TV on 12 October 2024, “Even if Rahul Gandhi and Farooq Abdullah offer Namaaz prayers every morning at top of their voice, Article 370 is not going to return”.  (Rahul Gandhi Aur Farooq Abdullah Chilla-Chilla Karke Bhore Namaz Padh Len, Tab Bhi 370 Phir Se Nahin Aane Wala Hai)

    Giriraj Singh said, “Prime minister Narendra Modi left no stone unturned for the development of Kashmir, and yet Muslim voters in the Valley did not vote for BJP.”

    Rajat Sharma: You have to win their hearts..?

    Giriraj Singh: “Tell me, how can we win their hearts?  Should I tear open my chest like Hanuman Ji… Even if I do their ‘aarti’, they (Muslim voters) never voted for me. “

    The union minister said, “There was a time not long back when people feared going to Kashmir Valley because of stone-throwing incidents and terrorists. After Modi Ji revoked Article 370, people can now freely move in Lal Chowk. Hotels have reopened, Modi’s policies brought peace and progress in Kashmir. Modi Ji removed stone throwers encouraged by Farooq Abdullah, Mehbooba Mufti and Congress. I was hoping that Muslims would vote for us in the Valley. Now they will have to think. (Ab Unko Sochna Hai).”

    99 PC OF TERRORISTS ARRESTED ARE MUSLIMS

    The union minister said, “I am not saying that all Muslims are terrorists, but the question arises, why 99 per cent of all terrorists arrested are Muslims?”

    When Rajat Sharma pointed out that terrorists have no religion, Giriraj Singh replied: “This is only for saying so. It’s religion which is the reason. What else is the reason? Why are there no more bomb blasts during Narendra Modi’s rule? Ten years ago, there used to be bomb blasts and modules were being busted. 99 per cent of terrorists arrested were Muslims. This begs a question.”

    Rajat Sharma: You can at least loudly say that all Muslims are not terrorists. Only a handful are terrorists…

    Giriraj Singh: I am saying the same thing. All Muslims are not terrorists, but 90 per cent of those arrested (on terror charges) are Muslims. Why shouldn’t I say this?

    Rajat Sharma: At least you can praise those Muslims who are doing good work.

    Giriraj Singh: I do praise. I pay my respects to those who do good work

    The union minister alleged that madarsas and mosques are being used to encourage terrorists. He said, “In 1947, there were hardly 3,000 mosques in India, and now there are more than 3 lakh mosques. They illegally occupy land on the Nepal and Bangladesh border. Yogi Ji (UP CM) carried out a probe and found that more than 500 madarsas were being illegally run….Madarsas and mosques have become home of terrorism (Aatank Ka Ghar). Instead of educating kids to become good human beings, they are being taught to tread the wrong path.”

    Rajat Sharma: You had once described Deoband as the ‘gangotri’ of terrorism?

    Giriraj Singh:  Who is Masood Azhar?  He was a product of Deoband (Darul Uloom). Tell me, should I call him a ‘dharmatma'(pious soul) or a terrorist? There are dozens of terrorists from Deoband. Some are dead, some are alive.

    Partition was on religious lines, India belongs to Hindus

    The Union Textile Minister minced no words in declaring that India, post-Partition, belongs to Hindus. “Main Danke Ki Chot Par Kehta Hoon (I am saying this emphatically). India was partitioned in 1947 on religious lines. If the country was partitioned on religious lines and had Pandit Nehru sent all Muslims (to Pakistan), neither would we have a Waqf Board, Owaisi would have emerged, nor Burhan Wani. Nasrallah (Hezbollah chief) dies in Lebanon, and our Bhais here in Delhi and Mumbai have stomach ache. Why?..If you display your affection for Nasrallah, then we will have difficulty. You eat here and sing songs for those people? Yeh Nahin Chalega, Nahin Chalega.”

    Rajat Sharma: It is because of your remarks that men like Maulana Arshad Madani say, you cannot send back 20 crore Muslims from India and those who say this are zaahil (uncivilised)?

    Giriraj Singh: “Let any Muslim in India tell me, whether any Hindu threw stones at their ‘taazia’ (Muharram processions) from 1947 till now. We never stoned. When their population is 5 per cent, they say ‘kaka’ and ‘chacha’, when it is 10 per cent, they roll up their sleeves, when they reach 15 per cent, they do Love Jihad, and do not allow Ramnavami, Hanuman Jayanti processions or Kanwad yatra through their localities. It is only then that I feel pain and I start thinking it would been better had they left India in 1947. ….Look at what’s happening in Kerala. They are promoting Love Jihad as part of a plan for achieving Gazwa-e-Hind. Had all of them been sent to Pakistan in 1947, these things would not have happened now.”

    Congress cheated voters during LS polls

    Asked how BJP came up with a surprise hat-trick victory in Haryana, Giriraj Singh replied: “You can’t fool people forever (Kaath Ki Haandi Baar Baar Nahin Chadhti) During the parliamentary elections, they showed the Constitution and cheated voters by saying BJP is going to end caste reservation. In Haryana, the voters decided to punish them for this, and the people punished the Congress….Sometimes those who spread lies and confusion, succeed. Narendra Modi worked for caste reservation like no other Prime Minister in the past. He gave 10 pc reservations to economically weaker sections in the general category. He gave constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes. This is Modi’s commitment towards reservation…and they (Congress) are only chanting ‘caste, caste’. They are also looking for castes at Miss World beauty pageants… …I challenge Rahul Ji to declare his caste, his father’s and his grandfather’s caste. Instead of asking others, let him reveal his own caste.”

    Giriraj Singh said: “Congress could only win up to 99 seats in Lok Sabha after its third attempt, but it tried to create an atmosphere as if Rahul Gandhi has defeated Modi. He is a fool (Moorkh), who is celebrating even after failing to win 100 seats after the third attempt…He has this misunderstanding like the ‘titihari’ bird (sandpiper) which sleeps with its feet up thinking it is holding up the sky. “

    Rajat Sharma: But Kharge Ji (Congress President) says, I will not take my last breath until I remove Modi Ji from power?

    Giriraj Singh: “I wish him a long life. Modi will stay for 100 years. Kharge will have to wait like Bhishma Pitamah (of Mahabharat).”

  • TV9 promotes Sanjeev Mulchandani to News9 business head

    TV9 promotes Sanjeev Mulchandani to News9 business head

    MUMBAI: The Barun Das-headed Associated Broadcasting Co – the holding company of the TV9 group news channels – has promoted Sanjeev Mulchandani as executive vice-president – sales and business head of the English news channel cluster – News9. Prior to this Sanjeev was branch and revenue  head – west & east for the TV9 network.

    Sanjeev has been with the network for around five years in various positions. Before TV9, Sanjeev was the zonal head – sales (west & south) of Zee News for three years. He has had time with iTV network, Network18, Star India, Reliance Broadcast, Aidem (for NDTV),Hindustan Times, Hutchison Essar, and Hindustan Lever.

    As executive vice-president sales &  business head Sanjeev is in charge of driving revenue growth and building strategic partnerships for the TV9’s English cluster, News9, as well as continuing with his existing role of sales for linear TV. 
     

  • SPNI hires Nimisha Pandey for top programing job at Sony-SAB

    SPNI hires Nimisha Pandey for top programing job at Sony-SAB

    MUMBAI; It’s homecoming for television creative professional Nimisha Pandey. Market sources say that she is set to join Sony Entertainment Television’s profitable Sony SAB channel as its programming head.

    For those not in the know, Nimisha had joined Multiscreen Media (as Sony was known then) for two years as an executive producer between 2004-2006 at the start of her career after completing her course in direction from the Film & Television Institute of India in Pune.

    It may be recalled that the long-serving NP Singh had retired as Sony Pictures Network India CEO a couple of months ago; he was replaced by content star Gaurav Banerjee. Nimisha is one of GB’s (as he is known) first unconfirmed senior creative hires since taking over.

    Nimisha was last the chief content head, originals at Zee5 for almost four years. Prior to that she was director international originals for nearly two years at global streaming powerhouse Netflix’s India ops Before that she held the position of head of content at Alt Balaji for three years.

    She has  had year-long-project-led stints at various production houses right from Balaji Telefilms, 4 Lions Films, Fireworks, Directors Kut, Sphere Origin (for three years),  and Shreya Entertainment over the years.

    We tried to reach out to the normally effervescent and bubbly Nimisha but she was unavailable for comment. Neither was anyone from Sony; it, being a Sunday.

    With the buzz being extremely strong, Indiantelevision.com decided to go ahead and report her appointment.

    With 20 years’ varied experience under her belt producing and commissioning shows, Nimisha does seem like the right candidate for the job.
     

  • Baba Siddique’s tryst with the television fraternity

    Baba Siddique’s tryst with the television fraternity

    MUMBAI: The Nationalist Congress Party’s late Baba Siddique, who was shot dead outside his son Zeeshan Siddique’s office in Bandra yesterday, was not just a power house in political circle and close to Hindi film stars. He, along with his son,  also were pretty close to Indian television personalities, especially the onscreen personalities.

    During his iftaar get togethers, he made sure that Indian television actors were invited. And they came in large numbers. Some he posed with for photographs. Some posed by themselves.

    Among the TV actors who attended his iftaar include: Neil Bhatt, Vahbiz Sorabjee, Jaaved Jaffrey, Eijaz Khan, Sophie Choudhry, Shenaaz Gill, Aamir Ali, Pooja Banerjee, Mahhi Vij, Karishma Tanna, Arjun Bijlani, Aarti Singh, Karan Singh Grover, Adaa Khan, Anikta Lokhande, Vicky Jain, Shweta Tiwari, Hina Khan, Abhishekh Kumar, Aishwarya Bhatt, Jasmin Bhasin, Aashika Bhatia, Sana Khan, Aamna Sharif, Deepshikha Nagpal, Amruta Khanvilkar, Neha Pendse, MC Stan, Karan Tacker, Srishty Rode,  Karan Kundra, Nia Sharma, among many others.

     

    Many of them are in a state of shock, following his killing by three shooters.